Friday, October 15, 2010
Headshot Picture Backgrounds
On twitter I asked for options on what the background of a headshot picture should be, and here are some of the replies (in no particular order):
- Brick Entertainment (talent agent)
- we like b/g's that r out of focus & contrast w/ur hair, skin tone, clothing. so u don't blend in & get lost in a thumbnail pic
- David Ross Headshots (headshot photographer)
- depends. colors that make your eyes and skin tone pop, as well as colors that are web friendly. most casting is online now
- Lara Holmes (talent agent)
- I prefer plain, neutral backgrounds. Anything else is too distracting.
- Act One Talent (talent agent)
- What color headshot bkgrnd b < solid color not distracting, varies for actor colors and clothing. Lighter usually better
- Valerie Chiovetti (talent agent)
- ~Bright, light background! No dark - unless you're a blonde - otherwise you blend into the backdrop and look like a floating head
As this small sampling suggests, opinions differ. However, colors working well with the actor and wardrobe, not being distracting and making for a good thumbnail seem to be common themes. Any thoughts? Please leave a comment.
Labels: headshots, photographers, submissions
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this posted by David August at 3:54 PM 
comments:
What I have found as the most effective method is to make each headshot look like a actual closeup on a television show or motion picture movie. Casting directors seem to really respond to these types of shots. This is often accomplished by using a long lens which blurs the background.
Further, color and lighting in the background should enhance the actors skin tone and eye color.
Michael Roud
Michael Roud Photography
www.michaelroud.com
# posted by 
Michael Roud Photography : 11:17 PM
The blog scrolls in reverse chronological order, though...
http://hscactor.posterous.com/
# posted by Unknown : 12:15 AM
